Louis Lehmann died in Tacoma, Washington, on February 8, 2024, at the age of 91. He was an unfailingly positive soul who went out of his way to befriend others, lift their spirits, and celebrate their unique gifts. His love of children extended well beyond his work, and all the children in his life instantly recognized him as a kindred, joyful, and gently mischievous spirit into his ninth decade.

Lou faced adversity without malice or resentment of any kind. He saw the best in everybody and rejoiced in their company. All who knew him could not help but love him. We will miss him terribly while always relishing this deeply kind and caring man's radiant smile, warm laughter, and boundless heart. We feel such enormous gratitude to have shared this journey with him, and we continue to marvel at his extraordinary grace and compassion.

Lou was born on August 24, 1932, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Bryce and Elizabeth (Ewing) Lehmann. In 1954, he graduated from the University of Minnesota, where he was president of Alpha Delta Phi. During his Army service, he married Laura Koerner in Tacoma in 1956. The couple returned to Minnesota, where Lou completed his master's degree at the University of Minnesota in 1957; his daughter, Debra, was born there the same year.

Lou first directed a recreation program at Mercywood Sanitarium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He next directed the activity therapy program for nine years at Galesburg State Research Hospital in Galesburg, Illinois. His son, Chris, was born in Galesburg in 1961. Lou earned a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1972 and then directed the activity program at East Moline Mental Hospital for seven years.

In 1979, he moved to Tacoma. For the next twenty years, he was a mental health counselor, working primarily with children at a variety of agencies, including the Puyallup Tribe, Comprehensive Mental Health Center, and Child Guidance Center. He also worked for two years as a social worker at St. Ann's Children's Home and taught counseling classes for Faith Seminary's Korean program in Tacoma and Korea.

He married Gladys Marjorie (Margie) Palmer (nee Grove) in 2001.  Together they traveled to France and Britain as well as to Washington DC, Georgia, Minnesota, California, Alaska, Canada, and Oregon. Lou and Margie have enjoyed gardening, genealogy, family activities, pets, and finding ways to have fun with all the little things in everyday life together.

Lou was pre-deceased by his two brothers, Leslie and Paul. He is survived by his cherished wife Margie, his daughter Debra Vanasse Ferency, his son Chris Lehmann, his grandchildren Lynx and Jessica Vanasse, and great-grandchildren Max and Mia Vanasse and Hendrik Stugart and Louisa Stugart. His extended family also includes Margie's beloved children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild.

Lou's Celebration of Life will be at 2 pm on Feb. 17 at United Church in University Place. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Children's Home Society of Washington.